Getting Saved and Staying Saved

Peter’s sermon and Luke’s report in Acts 2 provides valuable information about getting saved and staying saved.

As Peter preached he used at least three different proofs to convince the Jews on Pentecost that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.

First, he preached about the “miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through” Jesus (Acts 2:22). Second, he spoke of the irrefutable death and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2:23,24). Finally, he appealed to the fulfilled prophecies of Old Testament Scripture to prove the reign of King Jesus (Acts 2:25-35).

The conclusion of these still-effective proofs was that “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

Once these Jews were convinced Jesus was the Son of God, they asked, “what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter’s response was consistent with the commission of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; Luke 24:47).

Peter said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...” (2:38). He also later said, “Be saved from this perverse generation” (Acts 2:41).

What did some of them do to “get saved?” Verse 41 says, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized…” So, after hearing God’s Word preached, believing in Jesus Christ, confessing their obvious belief and choosing to turn from their sin, 3,000 sinners were saved this day.

But, what about after their initial salvation? The same Peter who preached this sermon also wrote, “...beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked...” (2 Peter 3:17,18).

Thus, Peter and the other apostles teach we can lose our salvation if we do not continue following Jesus Christ. So, what did these early converts in Acts 2 do to stay saved?

Verse 42 indicates four necessities: “...doctrine and fellowship...breaking of bread, and...prayers.”

Verse 44 says, “all who believed were together…” These first Christians spent time with each other and it led to their unity and interdependence.

Verse 46 documents a continued daily meeting. In addition, they met on an individual basis to strengthen each other by their company.

This led to the growth and mutual kindness of the Lord’s church. It still can today.

Even if you’ve been “saved” you need to make sure you continue to stay saved! God is always working for us, let’s also be working for Him.

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